Osteocytes are stellate-shaped bone cells located within the bone. Unlike osteoblasts and osteoclasts, they are not directly involved in regulating bone growth and repair. Instead, they regulate the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. 

Osteoblasts are responsible for forming new bone while osteoclasts are involved in resorption of old, damaged bone. By balancing osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, osteocytes help to regulate the processes of bone formation and bone resorption, ensuring that the bone remains healthy.